Maintenance & Restoration

Sandra L · 03-23-2012, 09:52 AM

Hi there,
Has anyone purchased and used the iBall hitch camera? Of course the You Tube video makes it look easy. Before I get one, I think it would be helpful to get feedback from fgrv people.
Thanks,
Sandra

GeorgeR · 03-23-2012, 10:23 AM

I don't know about the i-ball camera but my similar Swift camera is rather useless for my F350. The wireless connection simply is insufficient for clear picture. Recently, I tried to use it on the front hitch and even this distance was too long. After disappointment with wireless Swift I have now permanently wired rear view cameras on the truck and on the trailer. Wireless could work with shorter vehicle but did not work for me.

George.

CindyL · 03-23-2012, 10:37 AM

Because being the backing director makes me nervous, I bought a hitch camera for the hubby. I also bought those magnetic yellow back-up balls, so he watches these in the hitch camera to help him get hitched. Picture is not great, but this is the only thing we use this for, so it does that job.

CindyL

David Tilston · 03-23-2012, 11:47 AM

Someone I talked to said that as he parked behind someones unit his rear view monitor showed the front of his own vehicle. I guess the guy he pulled in behind had the same model of wireless rear view camera.

Robin G · 03-23-2012, 01:18 PM

I don't know about the after market type of back up camera's but I love the back up camera that came on my truck. I hitch our trailer on my own (due to Dh's health) and I back straight to it. No back and forth. Sucess first attempt. The only time I did struggle with it, was once while trying to hitch up to leave a campground in WY and the sun was beating down on the trailer hitch and I just couldn't see anything. But once I put a red bandanna around the hitch I was able to see it and get hitched up. Thankfully I haven't had that issue again.

Of course the back up camera doesn't help with backing up the trailer (unless, your trailer has the back up camera installed on it). But backing up to the trailer with a back up camera does make the task simpler. let us know if you decide to buy it.

Kevin A · 03-23-2012, 03:13 PM

As CindyL noted, we have the license plate camera mounted on our VW Eurovan. Combined with the extendable yellow balls that mount magnetically to the hitch, I can now get within about 2 inches every time I back up to connect to our trailer. It's close enough that I can wiggle the trailer into position for the final hookup. The camera is wireless and the picture is fuzzy at times, but it works. I think our long VW van is stretching the limits of the wireless signal.

GeorgeR · 03-23-2012, 05:13 PM

I installed on my F350 and on 21' Bigfoot a rear view cameras and I love it. Hooking the trailer is a zilch. I need to connect the trailer's rear view camera every time I hook up the trailer but it is worth while. Trailer’s camera is attached to the Bigfoot roof rack and there is no cable penetration through the roof. I am using Rear View Safety Camera system sold in Costco.
George.

Earl E. November · 03-23-2012, 05:23 PM

I drive a Ford Sport Trac and pull a 19'er.. The magnetic balls make hitching up a breeze.
I doubt they would work well on a lower hitch but they might.

john warren · 03-27-2012, 12:27 PM

i just line up my rear mounted spare with the middle of the trailer

Jon Vermilye · 03-27-2012, 01:18 PM

I also have a 2 camera system from Rear View Safety. I have a 5" monitor that sits on the dash all the way to the left. It is in line with the RAV4's rear view mirror & works great for driving & hitching. I do find the connector used for the trailer camera is overkill & difficult to connect & disconnect, but overall a good system.

GeorgeR · 03-27-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye

............................ I do find the connector used for the trailer camera is overkill & difficult to connect & disconnect, but overall a good system.

I agree; the coiled cable with connectors is under-engineered overkill and cable is likely not shielded. My connector already gave me some trouble with oxidation so I had to clean it and lubricate with contact grease.

George.

Sandra L · 04-05-2012, 12:47 PM

Thanks for the input.

**Pam Garlow** · 04-05-2012, 04:26 PM

Low Low tech for me. Yellow balls on extendable rods with magnetic pads on the bottom. One sits on top of the trailer ball reciever, one sits just behind the hitch ball on the trailer. Line them up when backing up and when they 'kiss' you are there. 20buck investment.

Thomas G. · 04-05-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Garlow

Low Low tech for me. Yellow balls on extendable rods with magnetic pads on the bottom. One sits on top of the trailer ball receiver, one sits just behind the hitch ball on the trailer. Line them up when backing up and when they 'kiss' you are there. 20buck investment.

Actually only $8........ $10 here
Trailer Alignment Kit - Magnetic Trailer Alignment Kit

less 20% with coupon linked below.
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